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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by steve3590 on January 20, 2006, at 19:58:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
It took about four weeks for it to work on me. I take 150mg and am going to try going up another 37.5. It's worked great so far. I can sleep again, after 20+ years of insomnia. The only side effect I've had is a twelve pound weight loss. Can't get better than that!
Posted by 4WD on January 20, 2006, at 21:15:27
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by 3djp on January 20, 2006, at 6:11:13
> > > Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
> >
> > Nope. But the highest dosage I've ever been on was 75 (and that was brief). It does make my ears ring, though.
> >
> > Marsha
>
> I'm on 75mg right now. Been on it for 18 days now. Yes my ears ring too. The DR informed me that it takes 2-4 weeks for this med to work. Can anyone tell me if this true.
>Please tell your doctor it makes your ears ring. My doctors all acted like I was crazy when I mentioned that as a side effect (except the one I have now). I think too many patients don't report all the side effects they have and so doctors aren't aware that those side effects are taking place in so many patients. They need to know so that the next time some one tells them somthing weird is happening, they'll know it's not just you - that it's not that uncommon.
Marsha
Posted by spierson1253 on January 21, 2006, at 12:05:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » 3djp, posted by 4WD on January 20, 2006, at 21:15:27
> > > > Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
> > >
> > > Nope. But the highest dosage I've ever been on was 75 (and that was brief). It does make my ears ring, though.
> > >
> > > Marsha
> >
> > I'm on 75mg right now. Been on it for 18 days now. Yes my ears ring too. The DR informed me that it takes 2-4 weeks for this med to work. Can anyone tell me if this true.
> >
>
> Please tell your doctor it makes your ears ring. My doctors all acted like I was crazy when I mentioned that as a side effect (except the one I have now). I think too many patients don't report all the side effects they have and so doctors aren't aware that those side effects are taking place in so many patients. They need to know so that the next time some one tells them somthing weird is happening, they'll know it's not just you - that it's not that uncommon.
>
> MarshaMy pharmacy includes a printout containing all the information on the drug that has been prescribed. Including Effexor. The new information being included, lists all of the symptoms we complain about. If I've learned correctly, Effexor was first touted as being non-addictive, with no side-effects. This is why our doctors don't believe us. So, when I have to talk to a new doctor, and start getting the poo-poo attitude from him, I pull out the last info sheet I got from the pharmacy on Effexor, and make him/her read it. They seem to listen after that. Doctors get lazy, like the rest of us. The problem is that they can't know every drug, so they use their PDR (Physicians Desk Reference), which is only as accurate as the laste updated version they possess. :-)
Take the time to inform yourself, and then armed with this knowledge (in printed form), educate your doctor. If you educate him, he can better care for you.
Posted by bangersgirl on January 21, 2006, at 14:43:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » 4WD, posted by spierson1253 on January 21, 2006, at 12:05:36
I've been taking effexor for several months now. Much weight gain, sweats, ZERO sex drive, major exhaustion, and more. Should I ask doc about something different?
Posted by uneeq1 on January 21, 2006, at 16:57:25
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by paulbowden on January 19, 2006, at 19:54:59
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 22, 2006, at 23:50:05
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » 4WD, posted by spierson1253 on January 21, 2006, at 12:05:36
I am so glad to hear i am not the only one with jaw flexing (or whatever you want to call it). This was not one of the symptoms my doc told me about. I have only been on effexor for 5 days, slept away the first 3. I think the fact that i had'nt been on anything for three years and having to admit i needed something might have contributed to the sleeping(if your sleeping you don't have to deal right)I wish evryone the best, i know from past experience it can be very hard to find the right dosage/combo on any meds.
Posted by jacobs on January 23, 2006, at 6:24:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wanttobhappy on January 22, 2006, at 23:50:05
hi, well it has been 2 weeks here on the effexor xr. the first week was the 37.5 and last week started the 75. i have noticed a bit of a difference with this. not crying all the time and the panic isnt as bad as it was. notice now if i do take a xanax when feeling anxious it knocks me out. think maybe the effexor intenifies the effects of the xanax some. i hate taking any kind of meds but was at the end of my rope and didnt know what else to do because not only did i have the panic so bad i couldnt leave my home by myself i started getting depressed and crying all the time. i can now go arround town as long as someone is with me. and working on driving by myself again. this all happened to me in a 2 month period. so would have to say i think the effexor is working for me.
Posted by spierson1253 on January 23, 2006, at 9:06:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wanttobhappy on January 22, 2006, at 23:50:05
> I am so glad to hear i am not the only one with jaw flexing (or whatever you want to call it). This was not one of the symptoms my doc told me about. I have only been on effexor for 5 days, slept away the first 3. I think the fact that i had'nt been on anything for three years and having to admit i needed something might have contributed to the sleeping(if your sleeping you don't have to deal right)I wish evryone the best, i know from past experience it can be very hard to find the right dosage/combo on any meds.
The sleeping was good. The first step to any recovery is rest. You have been stressing your body for three years. I'd say it deserved that nice long relaxing restful sleep. Bet YOU felt a lot better. You'll find the jaw flexing will go away as you adjust to your dosage. Warning: it comes back if you titrate up in your dosage. Also, there may be nights you don't sleep. Do not let this upset you. Use it is a quiet time in the dark, all to yourself, to relax and think clearly of things that make you happy, plan things, even work out issues. As long as you let your body rest that night, you'll be okay.
Just remember to be patient with the drug. Changing a dosage can take from 7-30 days to adjust to. You will still have feelings, you'll just be better able to manage the outward manifestation of these feelings (crying, screaming, drinking, sleeping, etc.)
Good luck ~~Sherry~~
~~Sherry~~
Posted by spierson1253 on January 23, 2006, at 9:10:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by jacobs on January 23, 2006, at 6:24:44
> hi, well it has been 2 weeks here on the effexor xr. the first week was the 37.5 and last week started the 75. i have noticed a bit of a difference with this. not crying all the time and the panic isnt as bad as it was. notice now if i do take a xanax when feeling anxious it knocks me out. think maybe the effexor intenifies the effects of the xanax some. i hate taking any kind of meds but was at the end of my rope and didnt know what else to do because not only did i have the panic so bad i couldnt leave my home by myself i started getting depressed and crying all the time. i can now go arround town as long as someone is with me. and working on driving by myself again. this all happened to me in a 2 month period. so would have to say i think the effexor is working for me.
Hi. I had the same problem with the Xanax when I was put on Effexcor. Xanax is wonderful for the panic attacks, I kekep in mind, however, that it is highly addictive and keep it's use to extreme need :) What I've found, is that halving or quartering the dosage works best. Enough to quell the anxiety the heralds the onset of a panic attack, but not enough to knock you out. My Rx is for 0.5 mg of Xanax. On a really really really bad sleep night, I take a whole one. To drive when I'm feeling that welling of anxiousness in my chest, I take 1/4. And, of course, anything in between is a half.
~~Sherry~~
Posted by kmm on January 23, 2006, at 9:57:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by bangersgirl on January 21, 2006, at 14:43:07
Yes, yes, yes!! I was in your same shoes last summer - had all the same symptoms! The doctor had me reduce the Effexor down to 150 and add 150 Wellbutrin. Adding the wellbutrin has helped curve the carb cravings, give me a normal sex drive and relieved the exhaustion. I still need an afternoon nap, which is unusual for me. Everyone is different, though, and it took me 9 months to get the correct med and dosage but, I wouldn't "settle" for these side effects so soon. Best wishes to you..I remember only too well how trying a time this phase of your life can be but, hang in there, there is light at then end of the tunnel!
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 23, 2006, at 10:41:52
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » wanttobhappy, posted by spierson1253 on January 23, 2006, at 9:06:18
Thanks for the comments sherry. i never really thought of it as rest (sound stupid it's sleep right) i always thought of it as not functioning avoiding life ect. the last 2 days i have'nt slept during the day which is encouraging. i was having a hard time telling my son to clean his room while mines a mess and i'm zoncked on the couch. does anyone have ideas on taking effexor xr day vs night? i've been taking it at night and thought maybe i'm wasting all my happy time sleeping?
Posted by sanny on January 23, 2006, at 11:24:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wanttobhappy on January 23, 2006, at 10:41:52
I, too, was taking the med at night and wanted to sleep most of the day...I started taking every morning at the same time with a light breakfast and I feel much better. There are still some days that I'm drowsy much of the day but I think it more just being tired from traveling or having company. I don't have the desire to really see anyone on those days...thank goodness they are few and far between....and when I do have a day...I've learned not to fight it...just like the not being able to sleep at night..use the time to rest...think really good things...make plans in your mind for when you have more energy...just don't give into too much...if it continues for several days with not relief, call your doctor..
Posted by spierson1253 on January 23, 2006, at 11:29:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wanttobhappy on January 23, 2006, at 10:41:52
> Thanks for the comments sherry. i never really thought of it as rest (sound stupid it's sleep right) i always thought of it as not functioning avoiding life ect. the last 2 days i have'nt slept during the day which is encouraging. i was having a hard time telling my son to clean his room while mines a mess and i'm zoncked on the couch. does anyone have ideas on taking effexor xr day vs night? i've been taking it at night and thought maybe i'm wasting all my happy time sleeping?
I take 112.5 mg in the morning, and 75 mg at night --- I'm going through a bad phase right now (childhood flashbacks resulting from cognitive therapy), put it's a good thing. Without the Effexor (and the Xanax on the side for really bad times), I wouldn't be able to do this at all. No one understands, I've come to terms about that and don't try to explain it anymore. Just smile warmly and give profuse thanks for caring and thinking about me. It works!! Better than hearing "oh, just get over it like I did for such and such". I always have this urge to bite those people in out and out meanness. I then I remember Aids and the bird flu epidemics and control myself. As I am now sleeping well after the last step up, my next step up, it is painfully clear, will be the morning dosage.Don't take this as negative. Progress is something that is tangible to me now. For all the "decay" as I find out more and more about myself, this gives room and opportunity for regrowth. I'm a-waiting those first green shoots of hope as we spseak. :)
~~Sherry~~
Posted by SandiDee on January 23, 2006, at 17:39:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » 3djp, posted by 4WD on January 20, 2006, at 21:15:27
> > > > Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
> > >
> > > Nope. But the highest dosage I've ever been on was 75 (and that was brief). It does make my ears ring, though.
> > >
> > > Marsha
> >
> > I'm on 75mg right now. Been on it for 18 days now. Yes my ears ring too. The DR informed me that it takes 2-4 weeks for this med to work. Can anyone tell me if this true.
> >
>
> Please tell your doctor it makes your ears ring. My doctors all acted like I was crazy when I mentioned that as a side effect (except the one I have now). I think too many patients don't report all the side effects they have and so doctors aren't aware that those side effects are taking place in so many patients. They need to know so that the next time some one tells them somthing weird is happening, they'll know it's not just you - that it's not that uncommon.
>
> MarshaMay I ask what, if anything, your Dr. did for the ear ringing? It is absolutely horrible, and driving me up a wall. I can't concentrate like I could before because the ringing is so bad, phone calls are unbearable, other noises around me aggravate me to no end. I was beginning to think I needed to see an audiologist. Please let me know what you have done for it.
Thanks,
Sandi
Posted by 4WD on January 23, 2006, at 20:10:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » 4WD, posted by SandiDee on January 23, 2006, at 17:39:07
> > > > > Has anyone had the experience, while on Effexor, that your lips tingle?
> > > >
> > > > Nope. But the highest dosage I've ever been on was 75 (and that was brief). It does make my ears ring, though.
> > > >
> > > > Marsha
> > >
> > > I'm on 75mg right now. Been on it for 18 days now. Yes my ears ring too. The DR informed me that it takes 2-4 weeks for this med to work. Can anyone tell me if this true.
> > >
> >
> > Please tell your doctor it makes your ears ring. My doctors all acted like I was crazy when I mentioned that as a side effect (except the one I have now). I think too many patients don't report all the side effects they have and so doctors aren't aware that those side effects are taking place in so many patients. They need to know so that the next time some one tells them somthing weird is happening, they'll know it's not just you - that it's not that uncommon.
> >
> > Marsha
>
> May I ask what, if anything, your Dr. did for the ear ringing? It is absolutely horrible, and driving me up a wall. I can't concentrate like I could before because the ringing is so bad, phone calls are unbearable, other noises around me aggravate me to no end. I was beginning to think I needed to see an audiologist. Please let me know what you have done for it.
> Thanks,
> Sandi
I'm sorry to report that the only thing that helped it was lowering the dosage. That's the main reason I stayed at 37.5 instead of going up to 75 (also, higher doses caused a lot of painful muscle tension in my neck and shoulders.) The ear ringing is definitely dose related. I also got the ear ringing on Cymbalta but it wasn't as bad as on Effexor after the first few weeks. However with Effexor, the ringing did not get less with time.The first few times I stopped Effexor, the ear ringing went away within a few weeks. The last time I stopped it, the ringing never went completely away. It scares me a bit to think it may be permanent. Mine is not as bad as yours, though. I only notice it when I am somewhere quiet. I use a white noise machine in my bedroom at night or it drives me nuts.
One bit of hope, though. I'm now taking Depakote 500mg nightly and the ear ringing seems to be not as bad as it was before. It's hard to say for sure yet, since I've only been back on the Effexor for about two and a half weeks now but I think it is making a difference.
Good luck,
Marsha
Posted by damian on January 23, 2006, at 23:29:45
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I HAVE BEEN ON EFFEXOR FOR 9 MONTHS AND I HAVE MORE BAD DAYS THAN GOOD DAYS AND I AM FEELING NOW LIKE I SHOULD JUST GIVE UP. I AM TIRED OF MY LIFE THE WAY I FEEL AND I AM ON 330MG A DAY, YOU WOULD THINK I WOULD FEEL ALOT BETTER BY NOW BUT I DONT. I HAVE HAD SOME IMPROVEMENT BUT I DONT THINK ITS ENOUGH. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO I AM JUST TIRED OF IT ALL. I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE WHERE NO ONE CAN FIND ME. PLEASE HELP, I AM SO CONFUSED RIGHT NOW AND JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.
Posted by wanttobhappy on January 24, 2006, at 0:27:14
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by damian on January 23, 2006, at 23:29:45
all i can say is HOLD ON!! i understand it can feel like forever trying to find the right dosage/combo of meds (i don't think i ever have YET) as long as your not thinking of hurting yourself or others i suggest hang in there. my NEW doc thinks the reason nothings ever worked for me is i never stayed on any meds long enough for them to work properly.
all my best to you
Posted by kmm on January 24, 2006, at 4:29:54
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by wanttobhappy on January 24, 2006, at 0:27:14
For me, the higher the dose with Effexor, the worse I felt. Ask your doctor but, I would think that nine months is enough time to know whether a particular medication is suited to you. You sound very despondent. Please see your doctor ASAP. Good Luck and it WILL get better bit by bit.
Posted by jacobs on January 24, 2006, at 6:23:39
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by damian on January 23, 2006, at 23:29:45
i know what you mean by good and bad days, we all have them, some more then others. im not sure if the effexor is the right med for me and i do get so tired of the different meds they have tried on me so far. but the effexor is helping, it hasnt taken all the panic away but it has helped with the neg thinking. are you in any kind of therapy? that can help. also if you are thinking about suicide, you need to go to the hospital right away. take care and God bless.
Posted by TinMan on January 24, 2006, at 8:30:06
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by damian on January 23, 2006, at 23:29:45
> I HAVE BEEN ON EFFEXOR FOR 9 MONTHS AND I HAVE MORE BAD DAYS THAN GOOD DAYS AND I AM FEELING NOW LIKE I SHOULD JUST GIVE UP. I AM TIRED OF MY LIFE THE WAY I FEEL AND I AM ON 330MG A DAY, YOU WOULD THINK I WOULD FEEL ALOT BETTER BY NOW BUT I DONT. I HAVE HAD SOME IMPROVEMENT BUT I DONT THINK ITS ENOUGH. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO I AM JUST TIRED OF IT ALL. I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE WHERE NO ONE CAN FIND ME. PLEASE HELP, I AM SO CONFUSED RIGHT NOW AND JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.
Hey Damian~
Just wanted to let you know that even though I have been on 225 mg of Effexor for about 8 months, I have bad days, too. I get so frustrated sometimes. I told my Psych Dr. that I wanted a PILL I could take that would make me have a ton of friends. (Hah!)
PLEASE, call AND go to your Dr. who prescribed the Effexor and let them know how you are feeling.
PLEASE, keep us posted on how you are doing...I really want to know if you find something that helps.
~TinWoMan
Posted by nana on January 24, 2006, at 15:36:49
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by kmm on January 24, 2006, at 4:29:54
> For me, the higher the dose with Effexor, the worse I felt. Ask your doctor but, I would think that nine months is enough time to know whether a particular medication is suited to you. You sound very despondent. Please see your doctor ASAP. Good Luck and it WILL get better bit by bit.
Good morning, I have to agree. The higher the dose the worse I felt. I now am back down to 75mg in the morning and 37.5 if I feel like I am starting to loose it in the afternoon. Don't give up!! We care and would like to try to help you thru this. Talk with your doctor, talk with us. You are not alone!!
Posted by 3djp on January 25, 2006, at 13:30:00
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by nana on January 24, 2006, at 15:36:49
I have been on effexor now for 23 days. I am still having staying a sleep. I wake up 2-3 times a night. I still at times feel excitable during the day. I am still wondering if this med will work on my attacks. Sex drive has slow down(all together not impossible) just having problems.
Posted by 4WD on January 25, 2006, at 21:37:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by damian on January 23, 2006, at 23:29:45
> I HAVE BEEN ON EFFEXOR FOR 9 MONTHS AND I HAVE MORE BAD DAYS THAN GOOD DAYS AND I AM FEELING NOW LIKE I SHOULD JUST GIVE UP. I AM TIRED OF MY LIFE THE WAY I FEEL AND I AM ON 330MG A DAY, YOU WOULD THINK I WOULD FEEL ALOT BETTER BY NOW BUT I DONT. I HAVE HAD SOME IMPROVEMENT BUT I DONT THINK ITS ENOUGH. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO I AM JUST TIRED OF IT ALL. I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE WHERE NO ONE CAN FIND ME. PLEASE HELP, I AM SO CONFUSED RIGHT NOW AND JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.
Don't give up! I think you should talk to your doctor right away about switching meds or lowering your Effexor and adding something to augment it. Nine months is more than enough time to try out a drug. If it isn't working, then go to something else. There are so many meds out there, don't give up. Call your doctor ASAP.We are here for you and most of us have felt the way you do. But it is possible to get better - but only if you keep trying.
Marsha
Posted by Patricia Risi on January 26, 2006, at 1:01:57
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I am currently on Effexor after trying luvox, Zoloft(made me feel absolutely no emotion at the mg I had to take), paxil(too tired), Celexa(didnt quite make me feel 100% on its own), wellbutrin (also didnt quite make me feel 100% on its own) My doctor told me that the new best thing is to combine meds so I am on celexa,wellbutrin and effexor now. Effexor seemed to work at the beginning (first few days) but then like all meds it seemed to lose its strength....I find it has terrible side effects (that of course you arnt aware of before you take it!) You sweat like CRAZY!!! Its unbearable. Some people get flu like symptoms...but Effexor is a bonus med because it is a Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)- I think thats the family of drug. and Effexor is also a norEpinefrine so you get two in one.
* One note....im not sure that my situation is the same as everyone else...i am diagnosed as "Major Depressive Disorder as a result of an organic matter" because I have a brain tumor that cant be removed. I have had it for 15yrs and depression for 5. I am more than happy to talk to anyone about depression...I also had a baby boy last May...so you CAN have kids while taking meds....there are risks of course...but it can be done! My email is superstarr738@hotmail.com if you want to chat.
take care
Patti
Posted by scott7293 on January 26, 2006, at 9:43:55
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by damian on January 23, 2006, at 23:29:45
> I HAVE BEEN ON EFFEXOR FOR 9 MONTHS AND I HAVE MORE BAD DAYS THAN GOOD DAYS AND I AM FEELING NOW LIKE I SHOULD JUST GIVE UP. I AM TIRED OF MY LIFE THE WAY I FEEL AND I AM ON 330MG A DAY, YOU WOULD THINK I WOULD FEEL ALOT BETTER BY NOW BUT I DONT. I HAVE HAD SOME IMPROVEMENT BUT I DONT THINK ITS ENOUGH. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO I AM JUST TIRED OF IT ALL. I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE WHERE NO ONE CAN FIND ME. PLEASE HELP, I AM SO CONFUSED RIGHT NOW AND JUST DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO.
NEVER GIVE UP!! Effexor (75mg per day) has helped me tremendously with the anxiety I was experiencing, and the depression I sometimes feel seems to be gone. However, I'm just one person who got lucky when my GP prescribed Effexor. Evidently problems that some people experience with anxiety and depression are much more complex than mine. My wife just started seeing a psychiatrist to develop a treatment plan for her anxiety attacks that are so severe that they almost totally shut her down. She also has severe problems with sleeplessness. Psychiatrists are experts in the area of depression and anziety meds...or so I've been told. Unlike my GP, her psychiatrist plans to continually monitor her progress and to alter her treatment plan when necessary. He has started her on Prozac, but told her that she may end up taking a combination of medications. If the large dosage of Effexor you're taking isn't helping you, perhaps your treatment plan needs to be altered with a combination of meds...or a different medication. Are you seeing a psychiatrist? If not, maybe you should.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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